I am a comparative immunologist engaged in research focussed on unravelling the biological mechanisms that enable invertebrates (e.g. crustaceans and insects) to combat pathogenic assault and survive environmental trauma. Current interests include:

The roles of oxygen transport/binding proteins in innate immunity (haemocyanin and phenoloxidase)

BIO104Cellular & Microbial Biology

This module will provide a broad introduction to fundamental concepts in cell biology, including the biochemistry and structure of the cell, cell diversity (including microbes), and the organization of cells into tissues. Students will gain practical experience in handling and culturing microorganisms, microscopy and spectroscopy.

BIO108Molecular and Evolutionary Biology

¿Nothing in Biology makes sense except in the light of evolution¿ was the title of a 1973 essay by the evolutionary biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky. The module links fundamental understanding of molecular processes in the cell to principles of genetics and inheritance to a broader appreciation of evolution and how it shapes the natural world around us.

BIO340Professional Laboratory Skills

Professional Laboratory Skills is a module that provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience of fundamental and advanced laboratory techniques in the broad area of biomolecular sciences. BIO340 consists of four intense laboratory sessions: two conducted in the wet-lab and two conducted in the computer lab. This blend of in vitro and in silico experimentation reflects the skills needed by modern biology graduates. Each session will have a theme: (1) protein biochemistry, (2) in silico structural manipulations, (3) PCR-techniques and gel electrophoresis, (4) Bioinformatics.
Students will examine the structure-function relationship of a conserved, yet functionally diverse, family of proteins. Such proteins are found in plants, animals (including invertebrates) and microorganisms.
[It should be noted that this module runs out of term time (usually early September), in a similar manner to residential field courses]